Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
And indeed (many) Messengers were mocked at before you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم), but I granted respite to those who disbelieved, and finally I punished them. Then how (terrible) was My punishment!
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
وَلَقَدِwalaqadiAnd certainly
ٱسْتُهْزِئَus'tuh'zi-awere mocked
بِرُسُلٍۢbirusulinMessengers
مِّنminfrom
قَبْلِكَqablikabefore you
فَأَمْلَيْتُfa-amlaytubut I granted respite
لِلَّذِينَlilladhīnato those who
كَفَرُوا۟kafarūdisbelieved
ثُمَّthummathen
أَخَذْتُهُمْ ۖakhadhtuhumI seized them
فَكَيْفَfakayfaand how
كَانَkānawas
عِقَابِʿiqābiMy penalty
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
(Ayah32){وَلَقَدِاسْتُهْزِئَبِرُسُلٍ …:’’ عِقَابِ ‘‘} was originally {’’عِقَابِيْ‘‘}. For the agreement of the verses, the ya was omitted and the kasrah was left. {’’أَمْلَيْتُ‘‘} is from the form If‘al (defective with waw) meaning to grant respite; the purpose is to console the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he should not be disheartened by the mockery and unjust and impossible demands of these disbelievers, as the same happened with previous messengers. When Noah (peace be upon him) was building the ark, everyone who passed by mocked him. [ ہود : ۳۸ ] The people of Shu‘ayb (peace be upon him) said to him: "Cause a piece of the sky to fall upon us." [ الشعراء : ۱۸۷ ] The people of Hud (peace be upon him) said: "Indeed, we see you in foolishness." [ الأعراف : ۶۶ ] Pharaoh called Moses (peace be upon him) {’’ مُهِيْنٌ ‘‘} (insignificant) and taunted him for his speech impediment. [ الزخرف : ۵۲ ] He said, despite this, I gave the disbelievers respite so that their excuse would be exhausted, then I seized them, so you too should not be grieved by their actions. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: [ إِنَّاللّٰهَلَيُمْلِيْلِلظَّالِمِحَتّٰیإِذَاأَخَذَهُلَمْيُفْلِتْهُ ] "Allah Almighty gives respite to the oppressor, until when He seizes him, He does not let him go." Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) recited this verse: «{ وَكَذٰلِكَاَخْذُرَبِّكَاِذَاۤاَخَذَالْقُرٰىوَهِيَظَالِمَةٌاِنَّاَخْذَهٗۤاَلِيْمٌشَدِيْدٌ }»[ ھود : ۱۰۲ ] "And such is the seizure of your Lord when He seizes the towns while they are committing wrong. Indeed, His seizure is painful and severe." [ بخاري، التفسیر، باب قولہ : «و کذٰلک أخذ ربک إذا أخذ القریٰ… » : ۴۶۸۶، عن أبي موسٰی رضی اللہ عنہ ۔ مسلم : ۲۵۸۳ ]
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
32. 1. It is mentioned in a hadith: '(ان اللہ لیملی للظالم حتی اذا اخذہ لم یفلتہ) Allah gives respite to the oppressor until, when He seizes him, He does not let him go.' After this, the Prophet ﷺ recited this verse (وَكَذٰلِكَاَخْذُرَبِّكَاِذَآاَخَذَالْقُرٰيوَهِىَظَالِمَةٌ ۭ اِنَّاَخْذَهٗٓاَلِيْمٌشَدِيْدٌ) (11:12 Hud): "Such is the seizure of your Lord when He seizes the towns while they are doing wrong. Surely, His seizure is painful and severe." (Sahih Bukhari).
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
The tafsir of this ayah is included with the following verse(s).
